The Flame Gourami is a sturdy fish that has specific upkeep needs. This guide provides information on water conditions, tank environment, breeding details, suitable tank companions, and dietary preferences to help these tiny aquatic creatures flourish in your aquarium.

Predominantly found across the Indian sub-continent, Dwarf Gouramis thrive in small, slow-moving bodies of water that are densely vegetated. Their preferred habitats include ponds, canals, slow streams, and creeks, where there’s no need to battle rapid currents and abundant food resources are available. 

The monsoon season results in the formation of shallow, temporary pools with plenty of sunlight, warmth, and nutrients such as algae, larvae, and small insects, providing optimal living and mating conditions for the Flame Gourami.

Size and Appearance

With their slender, streamlined bodies and abundant fins, male Dwarf Gouramis are distinguished from female Dwarf Gouramis by their bright colors and pointed dorsal fins, compared to the females’ subdued hues and rounded dorsal fins. They are small, with males typically growing up to 3 to 4 inches, while females measure around 2.5 inches.

The vibrant colors of Dwarf Gouramis, ranging from intense reds to bright blues, make them a favorite choice among aquarium owners. Breeders have leveraged their popularity to develop a variety of color variants. The most favored types include the Red Dwarf Gourami, the Neon Dwarf Gourami, and the Blue Gourami.

With ideal water conditions, a balanced diet, and attentive care, Dwarf Gouramis typically live from four to six years, though they can survive up to eight years. These fish are sensitive to nitrites, making it crucial to maintain the water quality and conduct regular water changes to prevent a shortened lifespan.

Being anabantoids, Dwarf Gouramis, which belong to the Belontiidae family, have an adapted labyrinth organ that operates like a lung, allowing them to take in air from the water’s surface. 

Possessing elongated thin feelers, they use these to greet other fish, explore their environment, and seek food. They are also skilled hunters and are known to plan and execute strategic ambushes on insects.

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Despite being easily startled, Dwarf Gouramis are sturdy and adaptable creatures. For new owners, it’s advised to start with three Dwarf Gouramis in a 10-gallon tank and add an additional five gallons for each following fish. Exposing Dwarf Gouramis to a high concentration of ammonia or nitrite can be deadly. Therefore, it’s important to thoroughly cycle your aquarium before introducing these fish and regularly check the nitrate levels, which can accumulate over time.

The Flame Gouramis feel at home in a lush aquatic environment teeming with vegetation, more closely mimicking their natural living conditions. You should ideally populate your aquarium with floating plants for the Gouramis to hide behind or utilise for nest building. The suitable floating plants for your aquarium could include Amazon frogbit, duckweed, and hornwort. If possible, limit the intensity of the aquarium light and keep it switched on for only about eight to 10 hours daily.

For a Dwarf Gourami-friendly environment, stem and floating plants are the best choices. These plants include: 

• Brazilian Water Weed (Anacharis)
• Red Root Floaters
• Frogbit
• Java Fern
• Amazon Sword
• Java Moss
• Subwassertang
• Pennywort
• Rotala 

Dwarf Gouramis appreciate a plenty of hiding spots provided by items like driftwood and rock formations. Providing a low-flow current that enables these fish to maneuver easily is crucial. Additionally, floating plants serve as a natural refuge for these timid creatures.

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Different breeds of Dwarf Gouramis produce wonderful contrasts of colors

Tank Mates

Dwarf Gouramis are best suited to cohabitate with other small, peaceful species that occupy the middle or bottom layer of the tank. Suitable tank mates include:

• Rasboras
• Loaches
• Glowlight Tetras
• Catfish or Otocinclus Catfish
• Plecos
• Pygmy Cories
• Mollies
• Platies

They should be kept away from Tiger Barbs, Oscars, Large Cichlids, and Goldfish due to their aggressive nature and differing habitat requirements.

Providing a variety of food is pertinent for the diet of Dwarf Gouramis, which are omnivores in the wild, feeding on algae, small insects, and larvae.

Their diet includes these food items:

• High-grade flake food
• Green flake food
• Zucchini
• Lettuce
• Fresh spinach
• Small frozen foods such as daphnia, mosquito larvae, and brine shrimp
• Peas
• Frozen blood worms
• Brine shrimp
• Plankton
• Beef heart
• Glass worms
• Live fish
• Tubifex worms

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Breeding

Dwarf Gourami breeding is straightforward and compelling to watch, with males known for constructing intricate bubble nests using plants.

Male Dwarf Gouramis show strong parental instincts post-spawning, protecting the nest containing fertilized eggs, which hatch within 12 to 24 hours. The male can be safely moved back to the main aquarium once the fry begins swimming, which typically happens between the third and fifth day after hatching.

Feeding the fry micro-foods such as rotifers, commercial fry food, or infusoria during the first week. After a week, a diet of finely ground flake foods and newly hatched baby brine shrimp can be introduced.

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